In 2020, DC Comics released the one-shot comic Batman: The Joker War Zone, which served as a tie-in to the larger Batman: The Joker War event. Written by a collection of writers including James Tynion IV and John Ridley, and illustrated by a variety of artists, the comic features a series of short stories set in Gotham City during the height of the Joker's reign of terror.
The stories in Batman: The Joker War Zone explore different aspects of the Joker's impact on Gotham City and its inhabitants. From a tale of a police officer pushed to the brink by the Joker's chaos, to a story of a Gotham City orphanage that becomes a target of the Joker's machinations, the comic offers a diverse range of perspectives on the Joker's villainy.
One of the standout stories in the comic is "Family Ties," written by Tynion IV and illustrated by Guillem March. The story focuses on the relationship between Batman and his long-time ally, Commissioner Gordon, as they work together to take down the Joker's latest plot. The story is a touching tribute to the bond between these two iconic characters, and offers a rare glimpse into the personal lives of both Batman and Gordon.
The artwork throughout the comic is also a highlight, with each story featuring a unique and visually striking style. From the moody, atmospheric art of Jorge Jimenez in "Ashes of Eden," to the vibrant and kinetic illustrations of Laura Braga in "Red Son Rising," the artwork enhances the impact of each story and captures the mood of Gotham City during the Joker's reign of terror.
